When planning my bachelorette party, we started researching far and wide. We debated all the classics – Nashville, Savannah, Miami – but they all felt so cliche. After scouring the country for the perfect bachelorette destination, I quickly realized what a gem we’re sitting on right here in Chicago. Between the food scene, unique music venues and proximity to Lake Michigan, there is no shortage of things to do on an epic girls weekend in Chicago.
Where to Stay for a Girls Weekend in Chicago
The greatest concentrations of hotels in Chicago are in the Loop and River North, quintessential “downtown” Chicago. Although centrally located, many of the best things to do in Chicago are located in other neighborhoods. To me, the best place to stay in Chicago is one of the city’s vibrant neighborhoods. A home rental is your best bet to get a true feel for the city, and common space for a larger girls weekend in Chicago.
Hotels
Rental Properties
- Old Town | Lincoln Park Townhouse for 4
- Eclectic Lincoln Park Apartment for 8
- Fun Old Town Apartment for Large Groups
- Old Town Townhouse for Luxury Sleepover
- Modern Lincoln Park Rowhouse for 4
- Fulton Market | West Loop Loft for 12
The 11 Best Things to do with Girlfriends in Chicago
1. Find Ultimate Relaxation at Aire Ancient Baths
With eight locations around the world, only two of which are in the U.S., Aire Ancient Baths is not your average spa-day. As you enter the unassuming West Town location, the buzz of the city fades away and you are transported into a dream state.
After a quick tour of the pools, including a rundown on exact temperature and scientifically proven health benefits of each, you are free to move through the candle-lit space at your leisure. There are varying degrees of hot pools, steam rooms and plunge pools. There’s an indoor-outdoor pool and exfoliation station piled high with natural salts.
The most transcendent of all is the float pool, where the salinity matches that of the dead sea. While weightlessly floating, you lose track of all space and time. The only thing to bring you back to reality are the chimes that sound to indicate when your time is up.
To ensure an intimate experience for all guests, reservations are limited each hour. Experiences book up weeks in advance, so plan your afternoon at Aire as soon as you can.
If Aire is booked, the Kohler Spa in Lincoln Park or Chuan Spa at the Langham are both good alternative options for a spa day in Chicago.
2. Go Dancing
Girls nights are best spent with throwback hits, dancing until your feet hurt. Whatever your niche is, you’ll be able to find it in Chicago.
Bassment (River North)
Bassment is a Chicago staple for live music and fun cocktails. Be sure to order their signature cocktail, the Bathtub Gin, served in a perfectly Instagramable mini bathtub – rubber ducky included. Get there early to beat the line, and don’t be surprised by the $10 cover.
Beauty Bar (West Town)
Beauty Bar is the ultimate girls night out spot. At this retro salon-themed bar, the ceilings dawn disco balls, and vintage salon chairs offer the perfect photo opp for the group. The vibes are electric when every night is a themed night. Whether you prefer hits of the 80s or scream-singing along to Y2K nostalgia, check out their weekend lineup when deciding which night to go.
Disco (River North)
Disco is an obvious choice for any disco-themed girls night. The name is self-explanatory; this River North dance club tries hard to create an air of 70s-era Studio 54. Although the space is small and can get tight, the disco balls and colorful LED lit floor will have you ready to boogie.
3. See a Burlesque Show at Bordel
Bordel is a cabaret experience that will be a highlight of your Chicago girls weekend. The vibe is set the moment you ascend the leopard-print stairs into the dimly lit cocktail lounge. Shows typically feature three performers with varying acts. You’ll see splits, you’ll see nipple tassels, you’ll even see fire-throwing if you’re lucky. You’ll see a lot, but make no mistake, this is a classy burlesque experience that will leave you both entertained and amazed. Bring plenty of singles, make a reservation in advance, and request a stage view for the best seats in the house.
If you’re looking for a pre-show meal, stop by Tortello for handmade pasta and house wine in a casual setting.
4. Rent a Boat on Lake Michigan or the Chicago River
Jumping off a boat in the playpen is a quintessential Chicago summer experience, and one of the most popular things to do on a girls weekend in Chicago. The playpen is a protected, wake-free zone just north of Navy Pier. Most boat charters anchor here for a day of sunbathing against the Chicago skyline backdrop.
Boatsetter makes it easy to hire a captain and boat for either a half or full day on the lake. Be mindful of docking location when making your selection, as some are farther from the city than others.
For a budget friendly option that still allows you to get out on the river, try a Chicago Electric Boat. Unlike the boats on the lake, these duffy boats can be self-operated. If you’d prefer to sit back and relax, or you all plan to indulge in the BYOB options, you can always hire a captain.
5. Get Your Body Moving
To get your body moving while enjoying Chicago summer weather, check out one of the free outdoor workout classes offered around the city.
Millennium Park
Millennium Park offers a free workout series on Saturdays between 8 – 11:45 AM throughout the summer. Visit their website for schedule and details. Kick start your day yoga, pilates, kickboxing, or Zumba under an iconic backdrop.
Lincoln Park
Local FFC gym offers community yoga in Lincoln Parkevery Sunday throughout the summer from 10 – 11 AM. Take a walk around the park before class, then head down Wells Street for a post-vinyasa smoothie from Foxtrot or fun brunch at the Vig.
Wrigley Field
Workout under the shade of Wrigley Field with one of Gallagher Way’s free community fitness classes. Although schedules vary, they typically offer Yoga on Tuesdays and Thursdays and HIIT Mondays and Wednesdays at 7 AM. Walk to Ann Sather’s for cinnamon buns or Little Goat for brunch after. For more tips on visiting Wrigley Field or going to a Cubs game, check out everything you need to know here.
Take a Hot Girl Walk
If classes aren’t your thing, head out on a “hot girl walk.” Two local favorites are Chicago’s Lakefront Trail, or on The 606, a once abandoned train line that was recently converted into a recreational trail and green space in Bucktown.
6. Drink Expertly Crafted Cocktails in a Cozy Speakeasy
The Office (Fulton Market)
Hidden beneath The Aviary, Chicago’s most renowned cocktail experience, is a more approachable speakeasy by the Alinea Group. It’s an intimate vibe that can accommodate reservations of up to 6 guests. Committed to the theme, once in your cozy office seats, you’ll need a key from the bar to get back in. The Office Hour is a perfect pre-dinner experience in Fulton Market for a few bites and two expertly crafted cocktails. Due to the intimate nature, there is limited capacity and reservations are required in advance.
After drinks, experience Chicago’s incredible food scene in the West Loop. For restaurants with good vibes, great food, and easily accommodating big groups, reserve a spot at Rose Mary, Monteverde, Aba, or La Josie. You may be picking up on a theme here, but reservations can be hard to come by so plan as far in advance as you can to secure a spot.
Other speakeasies worth checking out are:
- The Violet Hour (Wicker Park)
- The Drifter at Green Door Tavern (River North)
- Booze Box (West Loop)
- The Library at Gilt Bar (River North)
- Blind Barber (Fulton Market)
7. Shop Local in Lincoln Park
Armitage is one of the best streets for shopping in Chicago, and the perfect neighborhood to stroll on a Saturday morning with a coffee in hand. If you’re not from the area and looking for souvenirs or a hostess gift, Lincoln Park is dotted with cute local boutiques that feature Chicago apparel and gifts that locals love. A few of my favorites are Art Effect, All She Wrote, and Alice & Wonder.
Make La Colombe your first stop for coffee. Their speciality is the Oat Draft Latte or a Black and Tan, a half-and-half combination of their signature draft latte and cold brew.
If you need a little something to hold you over before brunch, check out Beacon Doughnuts, a doughnut window tucked in the alley between Dayton and Halstead.
For the perfect meal and bright aesthetic that screams “girls weekend,” look no farther than Blue Door Farm Stand. The Brussel & Kale and Avaomelet are go-tos, and their rotating dessert selection never disappoints. It books up early, so make reservations a few weeks in advance.
8. Try a New Skill or Hobby Together
Some of our best girls nights in Chicago are spent trying something new. You may not find your hidden talent, but you’re sure to have fun doing it and make a unique memory together with your crew. You might even get something to take home as a souvenir!
Pottery Workshop at Penguin Foot
The private wheel workshops are the ultimate pottery wheel crash course. Over the course of three hours, you’ll learn the basics of the wheel and try (and fail many times) your hand at throwing pottery. At the end of the workshop, you can pick your favorite piece to get glazed and fired.
Private wheel workshops are available to book for groups of 6-16 on Sunday afternoons, although dates are very limited. Keep an eye on the website for registration details and sign up as soon as registration goes live.
Not interested in pottery? Here are some other options that would be fun for a bachelorette or girls weekend in Chicago:
- Cooking class at Bettie’s Chicago
- Cookie decorating at Bon Vivant
- Candle making with Candle Babes or at Aura Candle Bar
- BYOB ‘Sip & Stitch’ beginners needlepoint with Third Coast Stitches
9. Have a Magical Night at a Laundromat Magic Show
Chicago Magic Lounge is a hidden gem – quite literally hidden behind a false laundromat facade. I know what you’re thinking, a magic show, really? Part speakeasy, part comedy and magic show, as soon as you enter the unmarked laundry machine-door, all your doubts will be erased.
Chicago is widely known for its comedy scene, but in the early 1900s, the magic scene within the city exploded. This speakeasy-style magic lounge pays homage to the “Chicago-Style” close up magic that began in that age as close up acts walk among the tables before the main show begins. Stick around after the show for a nightcap and bar side card tricks.
The Chicago Magic Lounge is always an enchanting night that will amaze locals and out of towners alike. Book your tickets here.
10. Get Competitive at Happy Camper Bingo
You’ve undoubtedly seen pictures of Happy Camper bar and restaurant splattered across social media. The neon sides and eclectic decor include a fully outfitted camper van that you can request to be seated in. They are otherwise known for creative pizza, fun signature cocktails, and a wildly fun Sunday bingo brunch at their Old Town location.
The festivities kick off at 1:30 every Sunday with confetti cannons. Over the course of two hours, energy is high, music is spinning, and plenty of winners get to try their luck at the prize wheel. If you’re lucky, you may even walk away with your very own squatty potty. It’s the perfect way to cap off a bachelorette weekend in Chicago.
If you’re looking for a lower-key game day, there are tons of Chicago bars that offer games. Some of my favorite are:
- Shuffleboard at Royal Palms (Wicker Park)
- Ping Pong at Spin (River North)
- Indoor Bocce, Billiards, and more at The Game Room (The Loop)
- Vintage arcade games at Replay (Lincoln Park)
- Board games at Guthries (Wrigleyville)
11. Upgrade Your Jewelry with Permanent Bracelets
Whether your girls weekend is made of a large crew or just two, there are options for permanent bracelets throughout Chicago. These minimalist links are a modern take on friendship bracelets, and will remain a keepsake of your girls weekend in Chicago forever.
If you’re more than five in your party, LINK x LOU will come to you. Make it a party and get custom permanent jewelry in the comfort of your own space. For smaller groups, make an appointment at the Alexandra Marks studio in Wicker Park.
Looking for something even more permanent? Head to Rowan in Lincoln Park for a new piercing in a fun, girly atmosphere.
Planning a bachelorette party or girls weekend in Chicago? Comment below with your favorite things to do!
